2017 Nissan Pathfinder Removes Hybrid Powertain From Its Lineup

Nissan Pathfinder is easily one of the vehicles which has undergone some drastic changes since launch.

The 2017 Patfinder however will remain with a unibody design and the auto manufacturers have decided to add a new hybrid powertrain to it.

Throughout the time, Nissan has imposed some major modifications to the Pathfinder series of vehicles. It changed from being a truck to a utility vehicle built on the chassis of a car and then changed into a truck again. The changes were implemented numerous times but the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder should finally define its role more clearly. Surprisingly, the auto brand didn’t make any drastic changes to the vehicle and left it as it is with the same unibody design.

The designers have retained the stylish, aggressive looks of the vehicle. It is an able choice for people looking to have a seven seater with ample headroom, performance and most importantly a vehicle that could perform as a reliable truck. For obvious reasons, Nissan has decided to discontinue the hybrid version. An electric motor doesn’t make much sense for a truck and people may not be willing to pay higher for the additional mileage it offers. Besides, it also leads to lower performance at times.

“We had to remove the hybrid variant because of the economic situations we are in at the moment. Compared to other vehicles, the trucks aren’t the fastest selling types and people are more fuel conscious that they are about using electric motors. They want a hassle free trucking experience and that is what we are going to provide our customers,” said Mike Drongowski, head of Nissan’s product planning division.

The company has confirmed that the new 2017 Nissan Pathfinder will go on sale in the month of September. There will be all the trimline variants as it has been including the S, SV, SL and the Platinum versions. The brand has successfully completed 30 years since the model was officially launched. Despite the occasion, there is no sign of special edition or limited edition Pathfinder in sight. Nissan may choose to announce it at a later date.

Pathfinder has been a vehicle in Nissan’s stable that has continued to change with times and is easily the most modified truck in a very long time. However, the brand seems to have found the right balance for the vehicle for now and hopes to continue it for many generations to come.